Nansemond River High School’s football team finished the season with a 6-5 record after a loss to Norview High School in the first round of the 5A South VHSL playoffs last week.

But the loss didn’t take away from the positive season the Warriors had. For the first time in school history, they finished with back to back winning seasons since 1996. Their success ultimately led to 11 players being recognized in the PenSouth Conference.

Elijah White was selected first team all-conference offense at offensive lineman. He was the only Warrior to make the first team offense.

On the defensive side of the first team seniors, Henry Moreno and Isaac Hassan were named to the first team. For Moreno, it is his third all-conference selection and his second time being named to the first team. This is the first time Hassan was selected to the first team.

“It’s a true honor,” Moreno said of his third all-conference selection. “All the credit goes to my coaches and my defensive line. Without the line I had, I wouldn’t have been able to make half the plays that I did. I’m extremely happy for my other teammates that made it. We all worked our butts off all offseason, and it paid off.”

“It was a huge honor for me,” Hassan said. “I was excited to hear that I had made the first team.”

JeVon Waller, Dy’Quan McGhee and Brandon Reese were selected to the second team all-conference offense. Waller was one of three running backs on the second team, and McGhee was the all-purpose player selected to the team. Anthony Oliphant was an honorable mention at running back for the Warriors.

“It’s a good feeling knowing that I contributed to help my teammates,” Waller said of his all-conference honor. “I thank all my linemen for being the reason I was able to do what I could on the field.”

“This shows that we have true talent,” McGhee said. “There is much more to come for the future of this program. This set the tone for all the underclassmen that are returning to do better than we did.”

Defensive back Quincy Gregg was the only Warrior player on the second team defense. He also was an honorable mention for the all-purpose player on the defensive team. Gerard Stringer received honorable mention at linebacker, as did John Carter. Pheldarious Payne was an honorable mention at defensive end.

Waller, Payne, and Gregg will all be returning next year for the Warriors. Most of the core they played alongside will return as well.  The Warriors are excited about the offseason, and the graduating seniors are thankful for what the program has done for them.

“Nansemond River has a tremendous off-season program as well as a great coaching staff,” Hassan said. “Those things lead to our success on the field and the honors we were able to receive.”

“We have a lot of players returning next year,” Waller said. “We hope to take the achievements into perspective and realize we can be even better next year with a strong offseason.”